The Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC)
The Aluminum Extruders Council is a good general resource for engineers. It contains a somewhat
comprehensive list of extruders (the ones that are members) and helpful design tools like their
buyer's guide. We found some errors in the AEC's
list of plant capabilities; however, it is fairly accurate. Possibly the most helpful thing the AEC offers
is a glossary consisting of descriptions of extrusion-related terms.
Metal Finishing
So you're designing an extrusion and you want to know your finishing options.
It's a good idea to know what you're going to do with the part before you look for an extruder,
because the secondary operations each can perform vary widely. Efunda has some good coating basics;
enough to get you started anyway. As a general rule, extrusions can be conversion coated (hard and soft
anodizing, phosphate, chromate, etc.), electroplated (chrome/reflective), thermal sprayed (Teflon coatings),
and wet and powder painted. Remember when designing your parts, that the secondary operation is done in large
baths and the size of those baths varies from extruder to extruder. If they have to sub the job our you'll end
up paying a lot for freight and the extruder's markup. If you parts get too specialized they can get expensive quickly.
If you need design help, consider using Qualified Vendor to get your design in front of extruders early in the design process.
That way they can work with you to make sure you're designing for manufacturability.
Metal Pricing
Know where your extruders start by researching the current metal prices. Here is a quick link for
Current Aluminum Pricing. Metal prices can give you an idea where
your cogs is headed given the current market condidtions. You can use this to leverage your suppliers and determeine the
best time to reorder.
Copper Design
If you're designing a copper extrusion, you'll probably start with the alloy and a metal vendor.
Most extruders that handle copper don't keep material on hand, or if they do it is in limited supply and only
in a handful of alloys. So, contact your metal broker or use Qualified Vendor to secure your material source.
Then you'll need to find an extruder that can do your job. Again, we can help you with that as well.
Wikipedia has one of the most comprehensive lists of copper alloys and properties out there next to the
Machinery's Handbook (btw, they should really give this info away for free, make it collaborative and make
money on advertising).
AZoM Materials Directory
Good quick reference to see what aluminum alloys are suitable for your custom extrusion application.
Extruded-Aluminum.com
Qualified Vendor maintained blog related to the aluminum extrusion industry. Industry news, design tips and more.
